Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit introduces postgraduate students to the epistemologies of practice in mental health and a critical analysis of contemporary mental health issues. It provides advanced knowledge about the context and consequences of mental illness for individuals, families and the broader community. Social Work interfaces with a range of clients and practice contexts, in community and mental health, in disability, child protection, drug and alcohol and criminal justice systems. The unit provides an ecological approach to understanding and intervention in the mental health field.

Objectives

By completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Give students a good understanding of mental health practice and policy frameworks in Australia;
2. Identify competencies for practice in mental health including legal and statutory responsibilities;
3. Examine the factors that influence client mental health needs and the service system constructed to met these:
4. Understand the nature of mental illness and the roles are contributions made by the professional groups who work in mental health;
5. Evaluate research and service programmes in mental health;
6. Give students confidence to critically analyse contemporary mental health issues.

Assessment

Literature review (35%)
Major assignment (65%)

Chief examiner(s)

A/Prof Rosemary Sheehan

Contact hours

Students in OCDL mode have the unit presented as a unit book which contains weekly seminar readings and exercises and may include an on-line teaching component. This unit runs for 13 weeks. Students are expected to undertake twelve hours per week study in addition to completing weekly unit tasks set readings.